A quirky Chinese-made toilet brush designed to resemble former U.S. President Donald Trump has seen a sudden surge in popularity amid intensifying trade tensions between China and the United States. The brush, featuring Trump’s iconic yellow hairstyle in its bristles, has become a viral product across Chinese social media platforms, turning into an unlikely symbol of protest during the ongoing tariff war.
Originally introduced during Trump’s first term, the toilet brush was initially manufactured as a novelty item aimed at capitalizing on Trump’s global celebrity status. However, in recent weeks, it has reemerged as a powerful and humorous tool of political expression, representing growing anti-American sentiment among Chinese consumers. Many are now using the brush as a form of satire and subtle retaliation against the U.S. administration’s trade policies.
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The spike in demand comes primarily from Yiwu, an eastern Chinese city famous for mass-producing low-cost plastic goods. Local manufacturers and vendors have reported a significant increase in orders for the Trump-themed product, with prices ranging between 13.9 yuan ($1.9) and 18.9 yuan ($2.6). Yiwu has become a focal point in what some are calling the “Yiwu counterattack,” a localized economic response to U.S. tariffs targeting Chinese exports.
This surge in sales is not just a commercial trend—it reflects deeper economic and cultural frustrations. The escalating trade war has negatively affected industries on both sides, but in China, the public backlash is growing more visible. Chinese citizens are increasingly expressing their discontent in creative ways, and the Trump toilet brush has become one of the most talked-about items representing this shift.
The cultural impact of this product was highlighted further when a restaurant in Wuhan, Hubei Province, displayed a controversial notice informing American customers they would be charged an additional 104% service fee, a move clearly aimed at expressing dissatisfaction with U.S. trade policies. The sign, which went viral online, asked that any complaints be directed to the U.S. Embassy, symbolizing growing resistance at a grassroots level.
As trade tensions continue to mount, products like the Trump toilet brush offer an unusual but telling glimpse into how Chinese consumers and businesses are coping with economic pressure. The brush has evolved from a joke item into a viral symbol of defiance, illustrating how political sentiment can shape consumer behavior and product popularity in unexpected ways.
This case demonstrates how international trade disputes can influence cultural expression, consumer choices, and grassroots-level responses. As the U.S.-China trade war continues to escalate, more such symbolic acts of protest are likely to emerge, reflecting both economic frustration and national pride.
